Building community, one JET at a time.

JET30 Reunion Off-site Excursions

Getting to the JET30 Reunion early or staying late? DC is a great city to explore and we've arranged for a few pre-and post-program excursions exclusively for JET alumni.

Arriving early Friday? Check out the Discovery Channel Headquarters in Silver Spring, or tour the Library of Congress Asia Collection. Staying late Sunday? Don’t miss a special tour of District Distilling or see the sites with the National Park Service. There’s lots to do—plus great neighborhood restaurants and bars, the National Zoo, and the pool at the Omni Shoreham, to meet up with fellow JET alumni and celebrate!

For over 30 years, Discovery has brought you some of the most engaging and entertaining educational programming. Now you have the chance to tour Discovery's Headquarters and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite shows from the team that creates them.

Participants will receive a tour of Discovery HQ, followed by a visit to the Consumer Experience Lab to view the latest tech. Discovery's Internal Agency will also feature some of its Virtual Reality clips from Discovery's groundbreaking show "Discovery Atlas," especially those on Japan.

Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to chat with Discovery representatives over lunch sponsored by Discovery's Lifeworks before heading back to catch the beginning of the conference.

Join us on an intimate tour of the Japanese Collection at the Library of Congress Asia Collection with Research Librarian Eiichi Ito. One of the most extensive collections of original Japanese language texts and research materials outside Japan, the Japanese Collection covers research materials in virtually all subjects except clinical medicine and technical agriculture. Since the governments of the U.S. and Japan first agreed to exchange their respective government publications in 1875, the Collection has grown to over 1.15 million books and serial volumes, 10,100 reels of microfilm, and 15,000 sheets of microfiche.

The Japanese Collection is now housed in the illustrious Jefferson Building, the oldest of the three Library of Congress buildings built in the Beaux-Arts style between 1890-1897, featuring a classicizing façade and elaborately decorated interior.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Urban DC Ranger Hike with the National Park Service

10:30 a.m., Sunday, August 6 Meet at the Smithsonian Metro Station (Blue/Orange/Silver) Free

Ranger Chip will guide a private 2 mile walking tour of the Mall, Washington Monument and end at the Cherry Trees at the Title Basin. Ranger Chip will share some historical highlights along the way as well as the history on the gift of the cherry trees from Japan. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We will cover about 2 miles in around 2 hours. National Park Service Ranger Chip will meet our group at the Smithsonian Metro Station at 10:30am on Sunday (8/6) and bring our JET30 group through the Mall, past the Washington Monument and end at the Cherry Trees at the Tidal Basin. He will share some historical highlights along the way, including the gift of the cherry trees from Japan. Contact: RSVP here Contact Jessyca Livingston (email: jessyca.livingston@gmail.com) with any questions.

In its short time of operation, District Distilling has proven itself to be Washington, D.C.'s leader in the craft spirits movement, winning numerous awards in international competitions for its creative and delicious potables.

Located at the heart of the bustling 14th and U Street Corridors, District Distilling is nestled into three converted 19th century row houses, which have been restored to showcase their glorious neo-Renaissance architecture. In addition to making great spirits, District Distilling has a full kitchen, making it one of a handful of Distillery-restaurants in the country.

Participants will receive a personal tour of the distillery from Matt Strickland, District Distilling's Head Distiller, and one of the most respected figures in the craft spirits industry. After checking out the most photogenic distilling equipment on the East Coast, you will get to taste Matt's award-winning spirits, such as the Checkerback Gin, Buzzard Point White Rum, and Corridor Vodka.

Following the Tour/Tasting, those interested can head up to the bar for some cocktails to end the weekend in style. Also, District Distilling serves one of the best brunches in town. If you would like to reserve a table following the tour, do so here: http://www.district-distilling.com/reservations/.

Must be 21 to sample. Tour/tasting will last about one hour and will cost $9. Please RSVP to Maurice Maloney (mauricemaloney@gmail.com).